Central Chosen for OLOL Fundraiser

Above: Craig Routh donated this beautiful rendering of the Children's Hospital Mansion. 

    The 10th anniversary of the Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Mansion Fundraiser is being celebrated in a unique way this year.  Central Mayor Mac Watts approached OLOL Foundation and suggested that Central be the location for the fundraiser, formerly known as “The Children’s Miracle Mansion.” When asked, Mayor Watts said, “I thought Central would be an ideal spot for this project.  It’s good for Our Lady of the Lake, and it’s good for our city.  It just fits with the type of citizenry we have here– a “Community That Cares.”  “We are so thankful Mayor Watts contacted Cheree Devall Brown asking if we’d be interested,” praised Kim Arceneaux, project coordinator, “It’s a privilege to be able to bring the project to Central.” 

    Kim is uniquely qualified to hold her coordinator’s position.  She is married to one of the 5 builders donating their time to the project, Ronnie Arceneaux of KM-Ron Builders, who himself has roots in Central.  She is also a Pediatric Emergency Room nurse at Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital.  “I have a special interest in this project,” Kim explained, “One year ago my 4 week old grandson stopped breathing.  He was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital and put on a ventilator for 18 days in the Pediatric ICU, with a total hospitalization of 28 days.  It changes you when it hits that close to home.  You really see the need and how important it is.  This project is extremely special and dear to my heart.”  Thankfully, her grandson is healthy today.

    The Children’s Hospital is not just a local hospital anymore.  Last year it treated 70,000 children from 59 of 64 parishes, 30,000 of which came through the Pediatric ER.  With over 50 pediatric specialists on staff and the largest PICU in the area, it is the only hospital in the region like it.  It is one of 6 treatment centers in the world affiliated with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Thanks to this partnership, the Children’s Hospital can provide world-class treatment for pediatric cancer patients on an in and out patient basis.  One of its major fundraisers is the Children’s Hospital Mansion.

    Mayor Watts approached Cheree and Danny Brown, developers of the Village Lakes Subdivision, about the possibility of donating a lot.  Cheree and Danny agreed and donated a lakefront lot. 5 builders then volunteered to build the house, each company taking a phase of the project.  These companies are KM-Ron Builders (Ronnie Arceneaux and Adam Dufour), RamCo Builders (Greg Martinez and Brandon Brown), Rabalais Homes (Steve Rabalais), JBS Companies (Blake Seguin), and Gafford Builders (Dwayne Gafford).  All 5 companies have connections in Central.  The project is being sponsored by the Capital Region Builders Association.  It is the goal of the project to have ALL building materials donated.  Kim shared, “It’s a great project for Central with everyone involved being a part of Central. It’s a fabulous group of builders, all fantastic and with great reputations” Kim, Melane Landry of Signature Southern Accents, and Blair Simon are working together on the interior decorations to stage the house.  “It’s so much fun!” Kim enthused, “We are all so grateful to be a part of this.”  The house is scheduled to be completed by the end of October. 

    What can you do?  If you are a business owner, consider donating to this great cause.  If you are not in a business that can donate materials, consider making a monetary donation for materials that are not donated.  If you are a citizen, consider supporting this wonderful organization by purchasing a ticket for a chance to win this beautiful home.  Tickets are $100.00 each and go on sale August 1.  Mayor Watts stated, “I approached every local bank here in Central, and every one of them readily agreed to sell the tickets.  We really appreciate them.”  100% of the funds raised go directly toward the purchase of equipment and treatments for the hospital, which treats any child, regardless of their ability to pay. As John Paul Funes, President and CEO of the Our Lady of the Lake Foundation, said, “We rely on community support to continue our mission to provide the best healthcare for the children of our state.  We are blessed to have supporters like those involved in this year’s project, as well as support from everyone who buys tickets for this year’s Children’s Hospital Mansion. If a child you love has an illness or is injured, Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital is there for you.  We hope you never need us, but if you do, we are ready.” Last year, Zachary hosted this event and raised over $670,000!  Let’s see what Central can do to help out the Children’s Hospital.